UMKC men’s, women’s basketball teams each sign three players

The UMKC men’s and women’s basketball teams each announced three player signings Wednesday.

DeMarco Smith, a 6-foot-1 guard from Washington High, Brandon McKissic, a 6-2 guard from St. Louis University High, and Marvin Nesbitt, a 6-4 guard from Butler College Prep in Chicago, will join the Kangaroos men’s team in 2017-18.

Smith averaged 21.9 points per game as a junior. “He brings really good size and athleticism at the guard position,” UMKC coach Kareem Richardson said in a release.

McKissic’s team played in consecutive Missouri state semifinals and is a “fiercely competitive and dynamic guard who can play multiple positions. We love his drive and competitive spirit on and off the floor,” Richardson said. Nesbitt was chosen player of the year in his conference and Richardson said he had a chance to “be a great defender in our system.”

Taylor Larson of Huxley, Iowa, combo guard Kennedy Perry of Harlan Community Academy in Chicago, and Jasmine Jeffcoat of Monarch High School in Colorado signed with the Kangaroos women’s team.

Larson, who UMKC coach Marsha Frese called “a knock down three-point shooter” in a release, helped her school to three conference titles and a state semifinal appearance as a freshman. Perry is a team captain who is “quick and crafty and isn’t afraid to play physical,” Frese said.

Jeffcoat’s team went 55-22 in her first three seasons, including a state semifinal appearance her sophomore year. She is the daughter of former NFL defensive end Jim Jeffcoat, who won two Super Bowl championships with the Cowboys, and Tammy Jeffcoat, who played tennis at Arizona.

“She loves the transition game and continues to develop her skill set around the rim,” Frese said.

This story was originally published November 9, 2016 at 5:32 PM with the headline "UMKC men’s, women’s basketball teams each sign three players."